Re: [Harp-L] OBs Blues nazis and a response to EV

[Larry Marks <larry.marks@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Look, I don't try to use overblows when I am playing blues or jazz or 
anything else. To me an overbend or valve-assisted bend is just another 
note. If it's the right note, I use it. I am no more conscious of using 
an overbend than I am of any other note I play. It requires no thinking 
or planning or special preparation to play one. If it's the note I hear 
in my head, then I just play it.

Now a bit about "traditional" blues. To say that you can't use overblows 
in traditional blues is absurd. That's because some of them just fit 
into the "blues scale". For example, if I can play a minor third as a 3 
single bend, why is it not permitted for me to play the same note one 
octave higher as a 6OB? Or if I can play the major third of the V chord 
with a 2 single bend, why is it not permitted for me to play the same 
note one octave higher as a 5OB? These aren't wierd-ass substitute chord 
approach notes. They are straight up blues scale notes that everyone uses.

If what the "traditionalist" is trying to say is that I must play 
exactly like L'il Walter, then why not simply call my band The Muddy 
Waters Revival Band? But where is there room for me to play traditional 
blues that isn't note-for-note identical to one of the "early masters"? 
Gimme a break...

  -LM